Are green cellular base stations sustainable?

This study presents an overview of sustainable and green cellular base stations (BSs), which account for most of the energy consumed in cellular networks. We review the architecture of the BS and the power consumption model, and then summarize the trends in green cellular network research over the past decade.

What is a green base station solution?

The green base station solution involves base station system architecture, base station form, power saving technologies, and application of green technologies. Using SDR-based architecture and distributed base stations is a different approach to traditional multiband multimode network construction.

Does Ericsson have a 'green' base station design?

But the large equipment vendors too have got in on the act. Ericsson made a point of its green credentials at the recent Mobile World Congress, and launched a "green" base station design back in 2007. Its commitment extends from materials used in base station build, to the design and efficiency of the base stations themselves.

How can a soft base station reduce power consumption?

The 2G/3G swapping project of a leading telecom operator in Asia-Pacific is a good example of how power consumption can be reduced using the SDR soft base station platform. In the old network, one base station used three cabinets for GSM900, GSM1800, and UMTS2100 devices. Its overall power consumption was 4280 W.

What should a base station do in a wireless communications network?

In a wireless communications network, the base station should maintain high-quality coverage. It should also have the potential for upgrade or evolution. As network traffic increases, power consumption increases proportionally to the number of base stations. However, reducing the number of base stations may degrade network quality.

What is a green communication initiative?

The green communication initiative primarily aims to improve the energy efficiency, reduce the OPEX, and eliminate the GHG emissions of BSs to guarantee their future evolution [ 2, 3 ]. Cellular network operators attempt to shift toward green practices using two main approaches.